The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRA) has recently made headlines with its decisive action involving the N-Convention Centre, owned by Tollywood actor Nagarjuna. In the Cyberabad area of Hyderabad, HYDRA demolished a portion of the centre after allegations surfaced that 1.12 acres of the property had encroached upon the Full Tank Level (FTL) or buffer zone of the Thammidi Kunta Lake. This move underscores the agency’s commitment to enforcing regulations and protecting vital environmental zones.
What is HYDRA?
HYDRA, officially known as the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Monitoring and Protection Agency, was established by the Telangana government in July. The agency was created to streamline disaster response efforts and safeguard public assets within the Telangana Core Urban Region (TCUR). The TCUR encompasses the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and extends to all urban and rural local bodies up to the Outer Ring Road (ORR). By integrating various functions under one roof, HYDRA aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of urban management.
Reorganisation of EV&DM
The formation of HYDRA involved the reorganisation of the existing Enforcement Vigilance and Disaster Management Department (EV&DM). This department has been significantly expanded, with its personnel increasing from approximately 800 to 2,200. The revamped department is now better equipped to handle the complexities of modern urban challenges. A.V. Ranganath, the GHMC’s Commissioner of EV&DM, leads the agency, while it operates under the guidance of Dana Kishore, the principal secretary of Municipal Administration & Urban Development (MA&UD).
HYDRA’s Structure and Functions
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, HYDRA was conceived as a comprehensive solution to Hyderabad’s rapid urban expansion and its associated challenges. The agency is divided into three main wings, each focusing on crucial aspects of urban management:
Asset Protection Wing: This wing is tasked with the protection of public assets such as parks, open spaces, playgrounds, and lakes. It also monitors private properties to ensure compliance with building and town planning regulations and addresses issues like illegal advertisements.
Disaster Management Wing: Responsible for coordinating disaster response and relief efforts, this wing operates through the Disaster Response Force (DRF). It collaborates with national and state agencies, as well as technical bodies such as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA).
Logistics Support Wing: This section provides essential information for disaster response through the Disaster Response Information System, catering specifically to the Telangana core urban region.
Varahi WHealth Atmos
As Hyderabad continues to grow and face new urban management challenges, projects like Varahi WHealth Atmos play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s development. Located strategically in a planned area, Varahi WHealth Atmos benefits from the city’s enhanced infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, such as those implemented by HYDRA. The project’s focus on premium living spaces and sustainable development aligns with the broader goals of urban planning and asset protection that HYDRA champions.
To learn more about how Varahi WHealth Atmos fits into Hyderabad’s evolving landscape, click here for more details about the project.
